All private hospitals in state declared tobacco-free zone

DIMAPUR — All private hospitals in Nagaland have been declared as ‘Tobacco-free zone’ with effect from April 11, 2023.

This was decided during a coordination meeting of the state Health and Family Welfare department with the Nagaland Private Practitioners’ Association (NPPA) under the chairmanship of commissioner and secretary of Health department, Y Kikheto Sema, on April 4, stated a DIPR report.

The department had earlier declared all government hospitals/ healthcare, health offices in the state as ‘tobacco-free zone’ since February 1 this year.

Recollecting the relentless contribution of the private hospitals in the fight against COVID-19 during the pandemic, Kikheto conveyed appreciation to the private hospitals for their collaboration with the government in various healthcare services.

He also appealed to the private hospitals to continue working together even in the days to come and to participate in the health information collection system of the department so that health information from both public and private sector is captured on real time.

The commissioner and secretary further stated that with an aim to provide quality medicines at affordable prices to the masses, the government of India has launched Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) campaign under the department of Pharmaceuticals.

He urged the private hospitals to come on-board the scheme and use generic medicines, which are available through special outlets known as PMBJP Kendra so as to reduce the healthcare expenditure of every citizen particularly the poor patients.

Responding to the appeal by the commissioner and secretary on private practice by government doctors, nurses or other employees, NPPA has assured not to engage employees of the government in private hospitals, in compliance to the provisions of Nagaland Health Care Establishment Act, 1997.

Meanwhile, the Health department has assured the association to fast track the process of approval and renewal of licences under the Act. As a measure to promote the policy on ‘ease of doing business,’ the department will develop a portal to enable online submission of application and also discuss with respective authorities on various statutory requirements for registration of hospitals for speedy approvals.

In connection with Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY and Chief Minister’s Health Insurance Scheme (CMHIS), the department said it is working on revision of the health benefit package rates so that it is rational and attractive to private hospitals within and outside the state, thereby enabling the beneficiaries to access to wide range of hospitals.

Report stated that the association also assured to extend services to the beneficiaries of both schemes.

The coordination meeting was attended by senior members of NPPA led by its president, Dr. Victo Wotsa, and the department side was led by the principal director, Dr. Vibeituonuo M Sachu, and senior officials.